tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12126587552762148532016-09-14T06:51:12.483-07:00Just HorsesMargarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-5005013618018650442015-01-19T10:05:00.000-08:002015-01-19T10:07:28.531-08:00Oberon and the Cooler Horsemanship "Intro to Cows" clinic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPmZE5dYQ10/VL1FMGMukJI/AAAAAAAAPBs/EW3j9rTKSRY/s1600/IMG_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPmZE5dYQ10/VL1FMGMukJI/AAAAAAAAPBs/EW3j9rTKSRY/s1600/IMG_0178.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br />Two weekends in a row we have had a blast with Cooler Horsemanship and their clinic "Intro to Cows". &nbsp; &nbsp;There are quite a few photos on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cooler-Horsemanship/192693398542">Facebook</a>&nbsp;- perhaps you might &nbsp;enjoy following them on FB. They also have a website "<a href="http://www.coolerhorsemanship.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=featured&amp;Itemid=101">Cooler Natural Horsemanship</a>" &nbsp;- &nbsp;my girls and I have found it a valuable tool in our horse education.<br /><br />I believe Oberon loved driving the cattle and he looked like he was having fun. &nbsp;My girls look forward to continuing this activity. &nbsp;Oberon has a bit of a hay belly and he needs to muscle up - and we are on to that. &nbsp;I have even notched up his cinch a couple of notches in the last month. &nbsp;Wish I could say the same for myself.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEfGOHblOsA/VL1FMqmCXQI/AAAAAAAAPBw/Vt8SWhiyvP0/s1600/IMG_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEfGOHblOsA/VL1FMqmCXQI/AAAAAAAAPBw/Vt8SWhiyvP0/s1600/IMG_0309.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-17296189442361534562014-02-04T07:19:00.000-08:002014-02-04T07:19:14.107-08:00New York Carriage Horses<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqBG4tq3nXk/UvEEVI41b9I/AAAAAAAANK0/LbwdErBuLKU/s1600/1459994_10151756207502076_578869621_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqBG4tq3nXk/UvEEVI41b9I/AAAAAAAANK0/LbwdErBuLKU/s1600/1459994_10151756207502076_578869621_n.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://bluestarequiculture.com/2014/01/28/nyc-carriage-horses/">HERE</a> is an article I liked. &nbsp;It is my personal preference to have the carriage horses and workers remain in NYC. &nbsp;</div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-67076057418507469802014-02-01T19:26:00.000-08:002014-02-01T19:26:31.736-08:00Mystic & Mary - Read all about it in EQUUS or the full un-edited article right here<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjxxFnI6PGU/Uu23tP6qniI/AAAAAAAANJI/pVwP8fbRFH0/s1600/IMG_3554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjxxFnI6PGU/Uu23tP6qniI/AAAAAAAANJI/pVwP8fbRFH0/s1600/IMG_3554.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div><br />Above is Mystic, a gelding featured in an article in <a href="http://www.equisearch.com/magazines/equus/">EQUUS</a> Magazine. <br /><br />Please, read the amazing story of Mystic and Mary. &nbsp;The article is condensed in Equus magazine, but the whole unedited article can be found <a href="http://gallopingmind.wordpress.com/2014/02/01/mystic-connection/#comment-1284">HERE</a>.<br /><br />I have personally witnessed a part of this journey and it is all true. &nbsp;<br /><br />After about a year apart, Mystic and my Oberon are pasture buddies once again. &nbsp;I hope everyone who swings by to read this is braving through this winter. &nbsp;I know I 'm looking forward to the spring!<br /><br /><br /></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-75514433306569941992013-12-19T18:22:00.001-08:002013-12-19T18:22:54.228-08:00Cutest Dressage Test EVER!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DcIQj-meTh8" width="480"></iframe><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XsZvjblbcnk/TOQZTxfTETI/AAAAAAAAAd8/KIeeIG_4zFE/s1600/CFAI%2BLOGO%2B3%2Binch%2B300%2Bdpi%2Brgb_1%2Bcopy.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"> </a> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Discover Photo Art, Colorful Photography, Black and White Photography,Artistic Photos, Artistic Photography,Photography For Sale as International Artists post daily their newest work.</span>. </div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-30545693188780262802013-11-19T13:13:00.000-08:002013-11-19T13:13:03.753-08:00A little "trail ride" anyone?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nOyvimZuF5o" width="420"></iframe></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-79288522821372740182013-10-24T21:19:00.001-07:002013-10-24T21:32:50.066-07:00Fall is in the Air!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwLRRuv9FzVOPgHpLZwxgkRuTs-ytyPEUo_9GxgArhnJfRySoBAPFfg_NCXMcyLv_W6o2xX-eVrIPeEUs8-1g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fall is in the air! &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My daughters have been improving their riding and we have been working on "Freedom" with Oberon. I hope to get a video of that this weekend. &nbsp;Here he is responding to my inability to learn as quickly as he! &nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cooler-Horsemanship/192693398542">James Cooler (of Cooler Horsemanship)</a> tried for quite a while to make me understand a rather simple que... and Oberon would run off as he just didn't know what I wanted. &nbsp;BUT... when I finally got it, Oberon was as sweet as pie. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was also windy and one of the first cooler days - and secretly, I enjoyed watching him prance around a bit. &nbsp;At the end of this short video, he came back. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Below is my daughter's very first bareback jump - and she also recently learned how much fun it is to canter UP a hill. &nbsp; Not many lazy days ahead anymore for Oberon :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy2ujPbu86aVkDqeZ5v-E6fNS4jUlhzWZYFG42X1XQQa6evHe_BgNw2UvNh9e6wn1Zsvh50gPWafdvYWIsFzQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can see below, he has a bit of a belly, but his neck is fine and the vet rated him a "6". &nbsp;Traditionally he has been a "5" and tends to loose weight in winter, so I am fine with this. &nbsp; The grass is slowly fading and this year we had so much rain - well, I consider myself lucky he didn't get fatter. &nbsp;Not to mention, he had no hoof issues whatsoever. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1JfEZh1TRGs/Umnz5hXBhVI/AAAAAAAAMk4/8PMBIYmY8lw/s1600/IMG_6482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1JfEZh1TRGs/Umnz5hXBhVI/AAAAAAAAMk4/8PMBIYmY8lw/s640/IMG_6482.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-73250739766864243672013-09-21T20:09:00.000-07:002013-09-22T20:16:40.284-07:00"A Blue Ribbon Kind of Day" a poem<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdIzcJeLv5Q/Uj5bXgCbYJI/AAAAAAAAMZQ/V6M7nVqSUmI/s1600/ABlueRibbonDay3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qdIzcJeLv5Q/Uj5bXgCbYJI/AAAAAAAAMZQ/V6M7nVqSUmI/s400/ABlueRibbonDay3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Oberon - Full of tests, tricks and a heart of Gold</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Blue Ribbon Day</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was a summing up</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">kind of day,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">of&nbsp;hours spent</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">collecting, posting,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">diagonals, leads,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">shoulders back,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">thumbs up, heels down,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">look, leg, lead</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(don't forget... smile!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">September is a time</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">to celebrate achievements,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">wrap up a season's progress,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">teamwork, companionship.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our Oberon, full of fun,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">tricks, and a heart of gold...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">or is that blue?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>by Margaret Bednar, September 21, 2013</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DRyk3h3m-e0/Uj5bWcuz2RI/AAAAAAAAMZI/uop9TAOH_lY/s1600/A-Blue-Ribbon-Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DRyk3h3m-e0/Uj5bWcuz2RI/AAAAAAAAMZI/uop9TAOH_lY/s400/A-Blue-Ribbon-Day.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">A Blue Ribbon Day</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJZ3_sQ95QM/Uj5bVYSGXjI/AAAAAAAAMZA/W3Qlt5cxt5g/s1600/ABlueRibbonDay2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJZ3_sQ95QM/Uj5bVYSGXjI/AAAAAAAAMZA/W3Qlt5cxt5g/s400/ABlueRibbonDay2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Warming up... Oberon not wanting to "collect",<br />my daughter light of hands and patient. &nbsp;We don't collect for long<br />as we are building up his strength.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />&nbsp;It was an overcast day, but that kept things a bit cooler. &nbsp;It is still rather warm here in North Carolina and very green - trees don't show any hint of color yet - and it misted for part of the day - didn't rain until after we were done with our classes. &nbsp; My daughter has come a long way in her riding, and Oberon is a pony with a wonderful mind - doesn't do anything dangerous, but will test her to see if she knows what she is doing. &nbsp;Being a pony, he is always looking for an easy way out of work ;)<br /><br />They were in 6 classes. &nbsp;Placements: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and two 5ths. (one was 5th out of a class of 15!) Classes were all good sizes, but she did place 5th of 5th in her first pattern class - and he took the wrong lead cantering - but we can work on that for next year. &nbsp;All in all, a great day. <br /><div><br /></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-17323260202036601022013-09-03T16:55:00.001-07:002013-09-03T16:55:41.752-07:00"The Eastern Breeze" a poem reflecting on the Friesian spirit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9BWxDea76Ns/UiZsL6qe8GI/AAAAAAAAMUM/lrydySx9cK8/s1600/The-Eastern-Breeze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9BWxDea76Ns/UiZsL6qe8GI/AAAAAAAAMUM/lrydySx9cK8/s640/The-Eastern-Breeze.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The Eastern Breeze</span><br /><br />Does the eastern breeze<br />call your noble name<br />as you crane your neck<br />toward centuries old?<br /><br />Do you gaze toward<br />the Northern Sea, hear<br />the Roman Legions march,<br />seek Hadrian's Wall?<br /><br />Do the clouds conjure<br />ancient battles of Munster,<br />Aduard, and Cologne<br /><br />as the eastern breeze<br />calls your beauty black<br />to reclaim a spirit bold?<br /><br /><i>by Margaret Bednar, September 3, 2013</i><br /><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">Sebastian is only half Friesian, yet there are times he looks up and gazes in the distance and I can really see the influence of his magnificent ancestor! &nbsp; I don't own him anymore,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.coolerhorsemanship.com/">James Cooler</a>&nbsp;does, but I get to see Sebastian at the barn where I board Oberon, my Quarter Horse who is adorable and cute - but he doesn't quite have the presence Sebastian does.<br /><br />Below is a beautiful video and a few pictures of a Friesian Stallion being ridden at the beach (they LOVE water)<br /><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zm0SrWR1mL0" width="420"></iframe></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-85731787205297265352013-08-18T07:54:00.000-07:002013-08-18T07:54:01.795-07:00My Favorite Cowboy! Being Sponsored by Twisted X Boots<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="540" src="https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=10151609277533543" width="960"></iframe> <br /><br />This video is a bit oversized and I couldn't figure out how to make it smaller. &nbsp; It is filmed in Montana, I believe and<br /><br /><a href="http://www.twistedxboots.com/">Twisted X Boots</a>&nbsp;is sponsoring James Cooler in his journey to "Road to the Horse Wild Card Competition" taking place on March 13, 2014. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.roadtothehorse.com/wildcard/index.html">HERE</a> is more information about the RAM Wild Card Competition 2014 which is FREE to the public in Lexington, KY. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.roadtothehorse.com/event.html">HERE</a> is an Event Schedule for Thursday (Wild Card Competion where one individual will be selected to move on to Road to the Horse) and Friday-Sunday (Road to the Horse International 2014)</div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-11474249412013105672013-07-21T05:23:00.001-07:002013-07-21T05:24:11.157-07:00"A Moment, Realized". A Poem<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JfOSP9VJqp4/Udjhh_7KW2I/AAAAAAAAMBQ/XNLna9Wpsa0/s1600/iPhoneOberonlayingdownJet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JfOSP9VJqp4/Udjhh_7KW2I/AAAAAAAAMBQ/XNLna9Wpsa0/s400/iPhoneOberonlayingdownJet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">A Moment, Realized</span><br /><br />Life is a series of moments, flickering&nbsp;quickly,<br />soon forgotten as I hurtle myself<br />toward each new sensory and you, often<br />with me, eagerly round each bend,<br /><br />traverse each hill, two souls adventuring<br />into&nbsp;seconds, minutes, hours. &nbsp;My&nbsp;youth<br />beats to the rhythm of your hooves,<br />your name caresses my lips each night<br /><br />as I pray our connection lasts,<br />hope we learn to pause more often,<br />like this morning when you honored me<br /><br />with your trust, your gentleness -<br />the&nbsp;moment&nbsp;I realized it is not I&nbsp;who offers up<br />the greater sacrifice, the greatest gift.<br /><br /><i>by Margaret Bednar, July 7, 2013</i><br /><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Summer is rapidly flying by and we are often too hot to ride these past couple of weeks. &nbsp;Lots of hosing down, lots of early morning and evening visits to the barn. &nbsp;I think I have always preferred fall as the bugs start going away and the heat recedes -- perfect riding weather.</div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-42389135567208863942013-07-06T20:25:00.002-07:002013-07-21T05:24:11.160-07:00My Totem, a poem by Margaret Bednar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7tqgqjVKbE/Uce_P8XiGlI/AAAAAAAAL-0/p2zF5pcHH3I/s1600/Contentment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7tqgqjVKbE/Uce_P8XiGlI/AAAAAAAAL-0/p2zF5pcHH3I/s640/Contentment.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">My Totem</span><br /><br />We are riders<br />on the storm of life,<br /><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">paths crossing,&nbsp;pausing</div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">to bask in china blue sky's<br />gentle breath.<br /><br />For but a moment<br />you lean into me,&nbsp;content,<br />heartbeats shared.<br /><br />Submissiveness<br />is often considered<br />weakness,<br /><br />but your spirit,<br />gentled, is truly<br />a powerful guardian.<br /><br /><i>by Margaret Bednar, June 23, 2013</i><br /><br />For a poetry challenge I was to use a title of one of Jim Morrison's songs to use in a poem. &nbsp;I selected "Riders on the Storm".<br /><br />I don't own Sebastian anymore, I only have one horse, Oberon. &nbsp;But I get to see Sebastian all the time as we are at the same barn.<br /><div><br /></div></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-91748883071916833992013-06-23T17:44:00.000-07:002013-06-23T20:58:08.421-07:00"Cantering" a video with Kenny Harlow, an update on Sebastian<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pP-g4Htzluk/UcePZUt7NGI/AAAAAAAAL-E/DvU0yhLY9JY/s1600/Contentment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pP-g4Htzluk/UcePZUt7NGI/AAAAAAAAL-E/DvU0yhLY9JY/s400/Contentment.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Here is a photo of Sebastian - do you remember the Friesian/Paint I owned a while back? &nbsp;Well, we still get to watch him in training with James Cooler (Click<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cooler-Horsemanship/192693398542"> HERE</a> for Facebook link) and handle him a bit while he is away doing clinics and such this summer. &nbsp;He is doing well and is a sweet boy. <br /><br />This is a video of Sebastian when he was a baby (his original name was Falcon). &nbsp;I posted this for a few of my poetry blogging friends who like horses (especially Fireblossom):<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/J_F0q2ZljQY?list=FL-ljJwVk8x-kSnW0Mf8WW5w" width="560"></iframe> <br /><br />And for those of you with a few minutes to spare, below is a video of James Cooler explaining how Sebastian played an important role into James being selected as a Wild Card for 2014's Road to the Horse! &nbsp;Notice: he rides him with no bridle.<br /><br /><iframe br="" height="360" src="https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=10151323336593543" width="640"><br />I have a video series I am seriously considering purchasing: &nbsp;<a href="http://www.brannaman.com/bb7clinicsdvd.htm">7 Clinics with Buck Brannaman</a>. &nbsp; Below is a "sneak peek" of "The Canter" <br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ES7YG8sh9LU" width="560"></iframe> <br /><br /><br />A gentlemen I just found and find interesting is Kenny Harlow. &nbsp;This video is a series and I think it is the third of a three part segment: &nbsp;(This isn't new to me as we have worked with something similar to this with James Cooler)<br /><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DSYv8URCmqQ" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><br />...and we can't forget Oberon. &nbsp; (FYI: &nbsp;my daughter always wears a helmet riding except for a few photoshoots - so don't give me grief.) &nbsp;We've been working on "perfect" transitions and beginning collection. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38C1Z9PEd_A/UceUwhxTpBI/AAAAAAAAL-k/DLD3GRDkdtM/s1600/OberonJetYellowFlowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38C1Z9PEd_A/UceUwhxTpBI/AAAAAAAAL-k/DLD3GRDkdtM/s640/OberonJetYellowFlowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-41004191282071325002013-06-03T20:48:00.001-07:002013-06-03T20:49:30.583-07:00Oberon & my daughter "The Greatest Gift" a poem<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5MKDA38bbU/UaweROJLtsI/AAAAAAAALrI/jM8mZAodwwM/s1600/Peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5MKDA38bbU/UaweROJLtsI/AAAAAAAALrI/jM8mZAodwwM/s400/Peace.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The Greatest Gift</span><br /><br />Gentleness is<br />a gift far greater<br />than strength,<br /><br />like filtered sun,<br />seeps bone deep,<br />settles the heart<br /><br />and peace is born.<br /><br /><i>by Margaret Bednar, June 3, 2013</i><br /><div><i><br /></i></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-49524888463144744852013-05-06T08:10:00.000-07:002013-05-06T08:10:42.065-07:00"Teamwork"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Biz1JeKLHGo/UYe-G4NydcI/AAAAAAAALiY/ey_hIJnvne8/s1600/Oberon&amp;EmmaAlmostB&amp;W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="488" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Biz1JeKLHGo/UYe-G4NydcI/AAAAAAAALiY/ey_hIJnvne8/s640/Oberon&amp;EmmaAlmostB&amp;W.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Teamwork</span><br /><br />Seventh place, dead last,<br />sixth, fourth, two thirds,<br />smile upon her face,&nbsp;unforced;<br /><br />perseverance, a beautiful canter,<br />a winning smile,<br />and their first blue ribbon.<br /><br />Matches the one<br />she carries&nbsp;in her heart.<br /><br /><i>Margaret Bednar, May 6, 2013</i><br /><i><br /></i>Linked with<a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2013/05/open-link-monday.html">&nbsp;Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's "Open Link Monday"</a>.<br /><br />Haven't posted for a while, but that doesn't mean we haven't been busy at the barn. &nbsp;My daughter's have been working hard preparing for a few open shows. &nbsp; Oberon has been "adjusting" to a tighter rein. &nbsp;He's not as thrilled as the girls are, but he's been a good boy. &nbsp; I will share some lessons with you in the next few posts...<br /></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-69725110794237335932013-03-28T19:29:00.001-07:002013-03-28T21:33:10.679-07:00Julie Goodnight YouTube Video on Transitions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3GNmYiDGbh0" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />Transitions with Julie Goodnight. &nbsp;I really like this. &nbsp;My daughter was in her first show recently and we realize Oberon's transitions need to be worked on as we have spoiled him a bit. &nbsp;James &amp; Kate Cooler will be working with us on this, and I think this is what they have been talking to us about... it's all in the seat. &nbsp;We will see next week as we have lessons scheduled.<br /><br />What do you think of this video?<br /><br />My daughter showed Oberon for the first time at an Open Show which was held at our "home" barn. &nbsp;I am not sure if I have mentioned it, but I moved to a place called "<a href="http://www.flintrockfarm.com/index.html">Flintrock Farm</a>". &nbsp; They have a number of fun events planned on their calendar <a href="http://www.flintrockfarm.com/calendar.html">HERE</a>&nbsp;and we are looking forward to May's "Horsefriend's" Open Fun Show Horse... specifically the games "Egg &amp; Spoon" and "Ride a Buck" to name a few. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aymX6c9pJUU/UVUCu4JB4mI/AAAAAAAALSc/kMj2tFGmEMU/s1600/Emma&amp;Oberon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aymX6c9pJUU/UVUCu4JB4mI/AAAAAAAALSc/kMj2tFGmEMU/s640/Emma&amp;Oberon2.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br />She entered in a walk/trot class and she did very well. &nbsp;Two fifths and a sixth. &nbsp;Not bad for JUST LEARNING what a diagonal was and holding leather reins in her hands for the first time (she likes her rope reins). &nbsp;Oberon has been a tad bit spoiled and his transitions have gotten sloppy. &nbsp;Believe me, my daughter is already on it!! &nbsp;He could also be a bit more collected in his head carriage, but we will work on the issue of smooth, quick transitions first. &nbsp;And Emma is just learning how to ride two handed. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJD0Zkoob64/UVUCu2EiFcI/AAAAAAAALSg/RmocggQfN1w/s1600/Emma&amp;Oberon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJD0Zkoob64/UVUCu2EiFcI/AAAAAAAALSg/RmocggQfN1w/s640/Emma&amp;Oberon.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Doesn't he look handsome in his English garb?</div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-78810747807006237332013-03-25T16:19:00.000-07:002013-03-28T04:03:43.100-07:00Hopes & Dreams<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1KbNRIQdXmY/UVD9CqhStSI/AAAAAAAALRA/XW2dJ2upEpE/s1600/OberonSunsetBW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1KbNRIQdXmY/UVD9CqhStSI/AAAAAAAALRA/XW2dJ2upEpE/s640/OberonSunsetBW.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hopes &amp; Dreams</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Simplicity</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I grasp</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">as day</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">gives way</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">to evening</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">shade,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">hopes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and dreams</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">illuminated</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and shared</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">as my pony</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">nickers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and nods</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">encouragement.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>by Margaret Bednar</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Linked with the poetry site "<a href="http://withrealtoads.blogspot.com/2013/03/open-link-monday_25.html">Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's Open Link Monday</a>"</div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-29126626010633564422013-03-19T18:03:00.000-07:002013-03-19T18:03:32.281-07:00My son, the youngest Horse Whisperer?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n-TI3Pb3pvo/UUkC37FIfbI/AAAAAAAALOI/sZZ05D2p6DU/s1600/IMG_8410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n-TI3Pb3pvo/UUkC37FIfbI/AAAAAAAALOI/sZZ05D2p6DU/s640/IMG_8410.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />My son, possibly the YOUNGEST Horse Whisperer ever?! &nbsp;Maybe he can help<a href="http://www.coolerhorsemanship.com/"> James Cooler </a>with his three year old colt, Duece ... for Road to the Horse 2014!? &nbsp;He is also on Facebook under Cooler Horsemanship.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YQls7ctf5AE" width="420"></iframe></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-59071064041257871942013-02-24T07:54:00.001-08:002013-02-24T08:00:27.344-08:00Road to The Horse 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=10151323336593543" width="640"></iframe> <br />James Cooler was selected as one of eight qualifiers for the Wild Card entry for <a href="http://www.roadtothehorse.com/about.html">Road to the Horse</a> 2014. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.roadtothehorse.com/wildcard/index.html">HERE</a> is a description of the eight finalists. &nbsp;They pick up their three year old colts March 17.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.roadtothehorse.com/returning.html">HERE</a> are some of the horse people attending this year's celebration of the 10th Road to the Horse Competition. &nbsp;I also heard Buck Branneman was going to be there... but I don't see his name on the website. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.roadtothehorse.com/index.html">HERE</a> is the weekend's agenda.<br /><br />What is really fun for me is that the horse I used to own, Sebastian (above) was the colt used for the application video. &nbsp; James Cooler is now starting a year's journal highlighting his one year journey with a 3 year old QH colt he will select and come home with from this year's Road to the Horse held in Lexington, KY, at the Kentucky Horse Park. &nbsp;You can find it and updates on Cooler Horsemanship on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cooler-Horsemanship/192693398542">HERE</a>.<br /><br />He will train the colt for a year and return next year (2014) and compete for "best hand" with the other eight for a wildcard entry into Road to the Horse 2014. <br /><br />My blog friend and barn friend, Mary, explains it exceptionally well here at "<a href="http://gallopingmind.wordpress.com/2013/02/24/the-wildest-card-of-all/">Galloping Mind</a>". &nbsp;Not only is this post well done, but all her posts are informative and entertaining. &nbsp;Please, check it out - you will be happy you did. &nbsp;</div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-32869906289335939522013-01-30T14:58:00.002-08:002013-03-25T16:17:05.064-07:00Mustang - a Poem<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XouGcX0f7g4/UQmgeEp8VvI/AAAAAAAAKv8/4F9Otri_OSc/s1600/2013CoolerColtStart8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XouGcX0f7g4/UQmgeEp8VvI/AAAAAAAAKv8/4F9Otri_OSc/s640/2013CoolerColtStart8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Mustang</span><br /><br />My loyal and true heart<br />is a cowboy's desire,<br /><br />but his soothing words<br />and gentle hands<br /><br />make promises<br />I know he won't keep.<br /><br />I'm not so easily swayed<br />as are the ladies,<br /><br />for my eyes will always yearn<br />for what he can't give me.<br /><br />Perhaps that's my appeal;<br />we both long for the same thing.<br /><br /><i>by Margaret Bednar, January 30, 2013</i><br /><i><br /></i>This is for<a href="http://poetryjaam.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-beast-in-you.html">&nbsp;Poetry Jam "The Beast in You"</a>&nbsp;and Friday Flash 55 (will link up with Thursday after 8pm) - 55 words, no more, no less.<br /><br />I have been BUSY lately. &nbsp;I moved yet again to a new barn... I will be updating here about that soon. <br /><div><br /></div></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-30319958551765514162012-12-19T08:49:00.000-08:002012-12-19T08:51:21.112-08:00How to handle Fear<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1SNXGmJ98k/UNHrEzX9K2I/AAAAAAAAKFw/Jz95zYcdp24/s1600/IMG_9603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1SNXGmJ98k/UNHrEzX9K2I/AAAAAAAAKFw/Jz95zYcdp24/s640/IMG_9603.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I recently audited a <a href="http://www.joewolter.com/">Joe Wolter</a> Colt Starting &amp; Horsemanship clinic at <a href="http://www.sullivanfarmhanoverians.com/index.html">Sullivan Farm Hanoverians</a>. &nbsp;I love observing clinics and often leave with far more knowledge than I can possibly absorb. &nbsp;I feel if I can apply three - five new things from each clinic, I am lucky. <br /><br /><i>My observations and notes are my own, and it is entirely possible I have misconstrued some of Joe Wolter's teachings</i>. &nbsp;I suggest going to his website and attending a clinic if he is ever in your area.<br /><br />One thing I am off to buy right now is a small blue tarp. &nbsp;Now, I know Oberon has no fear of walking on one, in fact he seems to enjoy "killing" it. &nbsp;I have also walked by a huge barn door with one flapping sky high in the wind, having come loose from the bricks on the ground. &nbsp;I thought I was in for all sorts of "crazy", but Oberon didn't even blink an eye.<br /><br />I have never rubbed one all over his body, nor have I had him drag one behind us with a rope. <br /><br />But what IF he was afraid? &nbsp;How does one approach fear with a horse. &nbsp;We MUST remember to do it the horses way as it is about building the horses confidence. <br /><br /><b>Make sure it is a learning process NOT a forcing process.</b><br /><br />1) Find the line in the sand where your horse is comfortable, a place that allows him to be comfortably curious. &nbsp;Let a horse be curious - DON'T hold them there. &nbsp;Curiosity comes AFTER fright.<br /><br />2) Back up or turn the horse away from the line. &nbsp;Don't push him over. &nbsp;Retreat and face. &nbsp;The "line" will eventually get closer to the object. Take the horse away before he takes you away.<br /><br />3) Redirect the energy. &nbsp;Trot away, walk toward the object, respect the new line drawn in the sand. &nbsp;If the horse tenses up, send off - we are battling self-preservation. &nbsp;So do something when the horses life (fear) comes up. &nbsp;Go back to # 2 as many times as necessary.<br /><br />4) Repeat, stay calm. &nbsp;It may take days. &nbsp;Be patient, trust the horse. &nbsp;Make sure you don't tense up. &nbsp; &nbsp;Loosen reins so he can lower head and sniff. &nbsp;Again, any tensing by the horse, go back to #2 &amp; #3.<br /><br />I have seen riders force a horse to take on an object they are scared of. &nbsp;I confess, I have not always taken the appropriate time and respected the "safety line" but nudged Oberon closer instead of turning away when I could feel he didn't truly want to take forward steps. &nbsp;The worst thing I can do in a fear situation is not give him enough time.<br /><br />I'll let you know how Oberon does being rubbed by and dragging the tarp. &nbsp;(I will have to be sure I have the arena to myself as I'm sure there are many boarders who would not appreciate this. :)</div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-56728321955264112922012-12-06T21:45:00.003-08:002013-03-25T16:17:17.876-07:00Easily Replaced?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WMbGdpwzWyI/UJcMk05XgEI/AAAAAAAAIo0/VJTATHlUmc8/s1600/IMG_3755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WMbGdpwzWyI/UJcMk05XgEI/AAAAAAAAIo0/VJTATHlUmc8/s640/IMG_3755.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">My handsome Oberon</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Easily Replaced</span><br /><br />I wouldn't miss<br />your brown liquid eyes<br />upon me, your warm,<br />tender lips softly searching,<br />nibbling my shoulder,<br />seeking my caress.<br /><br />I wouldn't miss<br />your adventurous spirit,<br />nor the way you light up<br />when you see me,<br />nor the way you listen<br />to my singing, content.<br /><br />I wouldn't miss<br />the way you love me.<br /><br /><i>by Margaret Bednar, 11-4-2012</i><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9tArx2xuJkE/UJcNcn1eJ0I/AAAAAAAAIo8/iefmzmVxtYQ/s1600/IMG_5774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9tArx2xuJkE/UJcNcn1eJ0I/AAAAAAAAIo8/iefmzmVxtYQ/s640/IMG_5774.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">This has NOTHING to do with the fact I carry treats on me.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndkAT92ZJ9g/UJcOd6J1OPI/AAAAAAAAIpE/2Xe5axszxHI/s1600/IMG_5817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndkAT92ZJ9g/UJcOd6J1OPI/AAAAAAAAIpE/2Xe5axszxHI/s640/IMG_5817.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Don't you LOVE his furry winter coat? &nbsp;It's going to get even fuzzier soon.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYOy8iCM4_s/UJcO4J9ZfbI/AAAAAAAAIpM/2vVh7IHQ5WU/s1600/IMG_5735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYOy8iCM4_s/UJcO4J9ZfbI/AAAAAAAAIpM/2vVh7IHQ5WU/s640/IMG_5735.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Looking pretty cute in his cooling down blanket</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-4585326356625913502012-11-08T19:20:00.001-08:002012-11-08T19:20:37.156-08:00A new home "Rockingham Equestrian Center"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7z3Foe1j3rk/UJxxcBxlhqI/AAAAAAAAIuA/fuvM3g8rmIc/s1600/IMG_4815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7z3Foe1j3rk/UJxxcBxlhqI/AAAAAAAAIuA/fuvM3g8rmIc/s640/IMG_4815.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />We moved from Fiore Farms to Rockingham Equestrian Center. &nbsp;I won't go into the details, but our barn managers moved to a new location as well. &nbsp;Oberon is pasture buddies with Zip, a QH gelding that made the move as well and they are getting along fabulously.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CHLn_LwY-ME/UJxySFAdwVI/AAAAAAAAIuI/oWxBrt_kfbM/s1600/IMG_4836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CHLn_LwY-ME/UJxySFAdwVI/AAAAAAAAIuI/oWxBrt_kfbM/s640/IMG_4836.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;I have been lucky enough to find a place with an indoor arena<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNsjpPlfYow/UJxzEVU_d2I/AAAAAAAAIuU/WWgEzr4-PrI/s1600/IMG_3769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNsjpPlfYow/UJxzEVU_d2I/AAAAAAAAIuU/WWgEzr4-PrI/s640/IMG_3769.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />and the stall situation is awesome. &nbsp;He has a door to an outside paddock, where he can see his neighbors in the paddock next to his and he can also watch the action in the indoor arena. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8huI8tS2cM/UJxzaX_NU0I/AAAAAAAAIuc/or1ub7CSwXY/s1600/IMG_3771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8huI8tS2cM/UJxzaX_NU0I/AAAAAAAAIuc/or1ub7CSwXY/s640/IMG_3771.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I miss my old barn "family" (humans and horses) but I think we landed on our feet. &nbsp;This is a photo of the one of three horse barns on the property. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZDegUWokc8/UJx0pFjHqjI/AAAAAAAAIuo/a_PypWgXzos/s1600/IMG_3745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZDegUWokc8/UJx0pFjHqjI/AAAAAAAAIuo/a_PypWgXzos/s640/IMG_3745.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Most importantly, the attention to detail by the farm's owners is wonderful. &nbsp;I think we will really enjoy ourselves in our new home.<br /><br />I hand walked Oberon on the few short trails that surround the farm the first full day. &nbsp;He was awesome and I was proud as he went out all by himself. &nbsp;The following day I rode him, again, by himself, and he was perfectly behaved. &nbsp;I love this little guy so much.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-diTJY4v90YY/UJx2Njl_zqI/AAAAAAAAIvA/Lc0E0vqnMss/s1600/IMG_3744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-diTJY4v90YY/UJx2Njl_zqI/AAAAAAAAIvA/Lc0E0vqnMss/s640/IMG_3744.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-50177873333725607132012-11-04T19:46:00.001-08:002012-11-05T03:28:47.206-08:00Buck Brannaman, continued #3 Small Serpentines<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Chm84L-ElM8/UJcq0fwR2gI/AAAAAAAAIqg/PzSrKiL-FF8/s1600/IMG_3682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Chm84L-ElM8/UJcq0fwR2gI/AAAAAAAAIqg/PzSrKiL-FF8/s640/IMG_3682.jpg" width="440" /></a></div><br /><i>(All attempts at explaining what I learned at the Buck clinic are just that... I might "mis-speak". &nbsp;The best thing is to attend a Buck clinic ;)</i><br /><br />I've really been pondering what I learned at the Buck clinic. &nbsp;And I think this year I have really focused on the word "Balance". &nbsp; In my opinion, this&nbsp;is what riding is really all about. &nbsp;And it isn't just about the rider, it is also about the horse. &nbsp;A balanced horse has an engaged hind end. &nbsp;For the hind end to engage, the withers must rise. &nbsp; When this happens with a "soft feel" (without yanking on the horses mouth) then true collection can be pursued.<br /><br /><u>A review of seat positions:</u><br /><br />Position 2 is upright in saddle, above your seatbones. &nbsp; This is the riding position.<br />Position 1 is slightly forward and used only for upward transitions.<br />Position 3 is on your pockets. &nbsp;This is used only for downward transitions or the stop.<br /><br />Backing up is done from position 2 with shoulders ever so slightly back from center of gravity and legs opened a touch.<br /><br />One exercise&nbsp;Buck had the riders doing was small serpentines. &nbsp;I found a clip from two years ago on You Tube. &nbsp;Bucks demonstration is much better than my summary below!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/n26b-u5IsUA" width="420"></iframe><br /><br />A series of half circles which are short and tight. &nbsp;He likens it to riding around small sagebrush. &nbsp;The horse transitions from 'bend" to "bend" with, at most, a couple straight steps (if any) in between the circles. &nbsp;This challenges the rider to focus on where the horse's feet are as one must ask for the horse to do a new transition when the feet are in the appropriate place... otherwise the rider trips the horse up! &nbsp;Swinging in this way, doing serpentines, bending laterally, helps release braces in both body and mind.<br /><br />...and remember, when beginning a turn, ask the foot to move to the side as it is coming off the ground, by opening your inside leg and holding your rein out, from the hip, to "open up". &nbsp;Also, remember to bend the head around with a soft feel, and ask with your seat and legs and your "look" first, reins only if needed.<br /><br />The following is a pretty good example of a rider doing the serpentine. &nbsp;The clinic I went to, Buck had the riders doing it on the rail. &nbsp;The rider below seems to be doing a bit more of a crazy 8 (perhaps going a bit past that center line Buck refers to in the video above)<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5k0-CdfkMlA" width="420"></iframe><br /><br />Oberon and I have worked quite a bit on serpentines, and I think we are getting pretty good. &nbsp;I even noticed today that their was a bit of "hang time" when he moved his inside leg out about 6" to make the bend. &nbsp;That is great, as I don't want him to hurry - hurrying can create a "down-hill" horse - heavy on the front end. &nbsp;</div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-56528500527844394482012-10-27T18:58:00.000-07:002012-11-04T19:51:32.041-08:00Buck Brannaman, Continued.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1onoAXe4Mzk/UIyGEP33hhI/AAAAAAAAIYA/nTcwJwGtd14/s1600/IMG_3657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1onoAXe4Mzk/UIyGEP33hhI/AAAAAAAAIYA/nTcwJwGtd14/s640/IMG_3657.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i>The following are excerpts from my notes and content and quotes might be inaccurate. &nbsp;I am doing my best to repeat what I wrote down in my notebook from the Buck Brannaman clinic I attended.</i><br /><br />I have learned a lot from <a href="http://coolerhorsemanship.com/">Cooler Horsemanship</a>. &nbsp;Much of what Buck said in his clinic I have heard from James Cooler, but auditing the Buck clinic for four days really allowed things to sink in. &nbsp;One thing I have been working on a lot lately is riding from my seat and I loved watching the following:<br /><br />"Walk, trot, canter with a loose reign, then one can collect".<br /><br />There are three seat positions, actually four.<br /><br />Position one: &nbsp;On pelvis for a moment (and obviously used for jumping) when asking a horse to go faster, but then it is immediately into position two.<br /><br />Position two: &nbsp;Athletic stance - straight up, on balls of feet.<br /><br />Position three: &nbsp;Feet forward, deep pockets.<br /><br />Position four: &nbsp;Your butt hits the ground.<br /><br />Class Exercise: &nbsp; Ride with your seat while walking on a loose reign. <br /><br />Talk about out of sync... some horses took off and others never changed pace. &nbsp;Some riders didn't loosen their reigns even though they thought they had. &nbsp;A few did a nice job. &nbsp;The worst offenders seemed to be a dressage and an english rider. &nbsp;And Buck did not go easy on them, but he was honest.<br /><br />Buck encouraged some to use their legs to get their horses going.<br /><br />"It is impossible to have a horse light to the hand that is dull to the leg. &nbsp;My leg is pushing on an air bubble, especially the lower leg. &nbsp;(and my leg is saying) "I have every intent to kick you if you don't listen to this good deal." &nbsp; Buck went on to say that legs were only used for transitions, not for maintenance of impulsion. <br /><br />"Riding is supposed to be discreet. &nbsp;If my horse starts to slow, I might kick a fart out of her."<br /><br /><i>(a side note: &nbsp;I tried this on Oberon. &nbsp;He slowed, I followed through and gave him a BIG</i><i>&nbsp;kick with both legs. &nbsp;He really jumped forward! &nbsp;Since then, all I have had to do is pull both feet out from his sides and he speeds up. I have not had to wollup him again since!)</i><br /><br />Of course, no Buck clinic is complete without a few quotes from Ray Hunt "See how little you can do to get them to trot".<br /><br />And so, as the class went 'round and 'round the ring, Buck kept offering advice. <br /><br />"Try to make it invisible. &nbsp;Slow walk to fast walk ... liven up YOUR body. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4abGy3QKatM/UIyPFnl2gSI/AAAAAAAAIYc/CJu64xfF5g0/s1600/IMG_3644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4abGy3QKatM/UIyPFnl2gSI/AAAAAAAAIYc/CJu64xfF5g0/s640/IMG_3644.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I believe the horse above was Buck's "green" horse - which I found amusing as most people's horses never behave<br />and listen as nicely as this gelding.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Fascinating and my notebook is full of advice:<br /><br />Lateral flexing - Buck looks for a soft feel, pole slightly higher than the withers, ears level, with head turned; it doesn't have to be all the way back to the riders foot. <br /><br />Longitudinal flexing - he is looking for the proper elevation of the head. &nbsp;The head WAY down (like the western pleasure show people like - he called it the "new fad" - holds the rib cage and spine down... spurs do NOT lift a horses back.<br /><br />So how does one raise withers without getting the horse dull to our hands and legs? <br /><br />Well, Buck said the pole must elevate to the proper position, the withers must rise so the horses hips can engage. <br /><br />And there are exercises for this. &nbsp;I will highlight them in my next posts.<br /><br /></div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1212658755276214853.post-80971151592719133142012-10-25T19:25:00.000-07:002012-10-25T19:41:16.676-07:00Buck Brannaman "Redirect Energy"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k97KrLNT09M/UInvoxZC9qI/AAAAAAAAIVE/1KjqrD104NM/s1600/BUCK22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k97KrLNT09M/UInvoxZC9qI/AAAAAAAAIVE/1KjqrD104NM/s640/BUCK22.jpg" width="418" /></a></div><br />Buck Brannaman is a legend in the horse world for some. &nbsp;After auditing a clinic I must say, on horseback he is "poetry-in-motion". &nbsp;He makes everything appear elegant and simple... which of course, when I went to apply what I learned back at my "home" arena with my horse, it wasn't easy at all. &nbsp;It takes a lot of patience and practice.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.horsegazette.com/Monthly_Features/04-June/Buck-index.htm">HERE</a> is a great article that sums up Buck fairly well.<br /><br />The four day clinic I attended was held at <a href="http://www.sullivanfarmhanoverians.com/">Sullivan Farm Hanoverians&nbsp;</a>, a top notch private farm that has been hosting Buck every other fall for many years. &nbsp; I think there were about 15 - 20 riders in the Horsemanship 1 class. <br /><br />So much information is at hand at a clinic like this, so I had a notebook handy and wrote down bits and pieces of what registered with me. &nbsp;My next few posts will be about things that made me pause and think. &nbsp; My first "pause &amp; think" moment is below.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UkLAz36dzlY/UInwApVsyAI/AAAAAAAAIVM/Xzb7pVzUEDw/s1600/BUCK21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UkLAz36dzlY/UInwApVsyAI/AAAAAAAAIVM/Xzb7pVzUEDw/s640/BUCK21.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Buck is a patient man, but there is no room for "non-listeners". &nbsp;That goes for his students AND his horses. &nbsp;He said:<br /><br />"My horse needs to be quiet enough not to draw my attention". &nbsp;&nbsp;He expects accurate movement, no milling around. &nbsp; If one is tuned out by their horse, he said to change subjects. <br /><br />"You want your horse always aware of you. &nbsp;Be aware of your horse! &nbsp;Fidgeting? &nbsp;Direct that! &nbsp;Think of it as a gift. &nbsp;Do something with that energy; redirect it or it will be a negative."<br /><br />"Don't let your horse check out. &nbsp;A horse wants peace. &nbsp;Trade movement for peace."</div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00007201357693227614noreply@blogger.com6